Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh made a memorable first appearance at the Met Gala, instantly capturing global attention. Dressed in a regal ivory achkan paired with a flowing cape, a traditional turban (or pagdi), and a striking necklace, Diljit paid homage to one of India’s most extravagant historical figures-Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala.
Diljit's entire look was inspired by the larger-than-life Maharaja who ruled Patiala from 1900 to 1938. Known for his flamboyant style and taste for grandeur, Bhupinder Singh became a symbol of Indian royalty during the colonial era. His lifestyle was marked by extraordinary opulence: from commissioning massive jewels to hosting elite parties, his reign remains legendary.
The Maharaja who redefined luxury
Ascending the throne at just nine years old, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh lived a life that could rival any royal across the world. He was reportedly the first Indian to own a private airplane and had an astounding collection of 44 Rolls-Royce cars. His residence, the Moti Bagh Palace, was often compared to France’s Versailles due to its immense size and magnificence.
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His personal life was equally lavish-he is believed to have had ten wives, a harem of 350 concubines, and fathered as many as 88 children. But beyond the extravagance, his court was also a hub for musicians, diplomats, and artists, turning Patiala into a cultural hotspot.
The Birth of the 'Patiala Peg'
One of the Maharaja's lighter, though equally iconic, legacies is the "Patiala peg"-a famously generous pour of whiskey that became the signature drink at his lavish soirées. This unconventional measurement of liquor has endured as a quirky cultural reference and remains associated with indulgence and Punjabi pride.
The Legendary Patiala necklace
Among his many treasures, the most iconic was the Patiala Necklace, commissioned in 1928 from the French luxury house Cartier. It was the jeweller’s largest single order ever: a staggering piece comprising 2,930 diamonds, highlighted by the 234.65-carat De Beers diamond-then the seventh-largest in the world. The necklace also boasted Burmese rubies and several other significant stones ranging from 18 to 73 carats.
However, this royal masterpiece vanished mysteriously from the Patiala treasury around 1948. Years later, parts of it surfaced in a second-hand store in London and were eventually reacquired and partially restored by Cartier. Since many original stones were missing, synthetic diamonds were used to reconstruct the piece.
Modern homage, modern controversies
For the Met Gala 2025, Diljit Dosanjh wore a specially created necklace inspired by the Patiala original. Designed by Manav Golecha of Golecha Jewels, the new multi-layered piece took nearly three months to complete , he told The Indian Express. Featuring more than 50 carats of tourmalines and a central emerald weighing nearly 130 carats, the design was a proud nod to India’s regal heritage.
This wasn’t the first time the Patiala Necklace stirred discussion at the Met Gala. In 2022, American YouTuber Emma Chamberlain caused an uproar when she wore a choker that closely resembled the original Cartier necklace. Although she credited Cartier in her post, many Indian netizens accused the brand of flaunting a piece of looted heritage. The controversy reignited conversations around colonial-era plunder, with historians sharing archival photos and questioning the legitimacy of Cartier’s possession.
By referencing Maharaja Bhupinder Singh through his attire and accessories, he brought a significant piece of Indian history to one of fashion’s grandest stages. In doing so, he not only honored a forgotten chapter of royal opulence but also made a powerful statement about South Asian representation in global fashion.
